Yesterday, I wore my new linen tee from Zady all day: to my 11 AM Pure Barre class (not actually to DO class, just as a cover up), then for a quick working lunch at Panera before my Dental appointment. After all that, I came home to take a shower to change into the outfit you see here, take some photos, and then meet my husband for happy hour.

From the time I put it on in the morning until I took it off in the evening, it stretched quite a bit to look the way you see here. If I’d shown you pictures before, it would look quite different, less slouchy, shorter, and not so soft. I like it this way. Of course, that’s what happens to linen with wear, it gets super-soft and cozy. I haven’t washed it yet, but when I do, it will be in the machine on delicate cycle in cold water, and then I will hang it to dry. The label implores me to hand wash only, but I never do.

After only one wear, I will say that I like Zady’s linen tee much better than Everlane’s. I could do without the tacked sleeves and the front pocket, but they don’t exactly bother me. Zady’s tee is longer, drapier, and softer than Everlane’s. And I really didn’t like the short sleeves on Everlane’s. As far as transparency goes, Zady is quite up front on where their linen is grown (France), processed (Italy) and sewn (US) as opposed to Everlane’s simple “made in China.” Score, Zady.

Now, to the Everlane backpack. I ordered the large modern backpack in reverse denim with black leather trim last week as soon as it launched (using credits I receive via referrals to Everlane – thank you!). Immediately, I was concerned it would be much too large for me, on my 5’3″ frame. And originally, I wanted to get the smaller version of the modern zip backpack, but that one doesn’t have the laptop sleeve built in or side pockets, which were important to me.

Now that I have it, and have used it, I don’t think it’s too big at all. I carried it yesterday with everything I normally carry in my bag (wallet, two large pouches, two Baggu bags, sunglasses in a hard case, a few lip balms, mints, and hand sanitizer) along with my 13″ macbook air and an even larger hard side Moleskine notebook. My camelback water bottle is too big to fit in one of the side pockets, but I had that with me too.

I never carried it on my back as a “backpack,” preferring to carry it over my shoulder as you see in the first picture. I’m not going to lie, it’s heavy that way, heavier feeling than if I carry all that stuff in my Everlane petra tote (maybe because the weight is distributed better?), but it’s not so heavy to be uncomfortable. I’ll use it most often as a carry-on bag for traveling, since it’s nice and secure with all the zippers, and easy to get into.

I’m really pleased with the new Everlane backpack and definitely recommend it. It’s great for traveling, work/school, and everything in between. If you want to use it more as an everyday bag, the smaller size might be a lot better for you, in spite of it’s lack of laptop area and side pockets, just because it would be just a bit easier to manage. And maybe you carry your laptop in a sleeve anyway, so it wouldn’t matter so much.

As for color, I am a big fan of Everlane’s reverse denim (I have their laptop sleeve in that fabric, ironically) which is basically like a heathered gray t-shirt in heavier canvas. I thought about the black backpack, but worried about dye transfer onto white tees & tops. I think the reverse denim will hold up well too, and not look worse for the wear over time, since stains might not be as noticeable as on one of the solid colors. But as I said in a comment on my original backpack post, I think you just have to go with the color you like best and not overthink it too much. Yes, I realize how that sounds coming from me, over thinker anonymous, but seriously. Life’s too short…just enjoy your backpack 🙂

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Comments

I really LOVE this outfit on you! It’s the cut of the tee, the way it drapes, sort of gliding over the figure. That’s probably the linen. And I think it’s fun to have several different styles of white tees (I seem to recall you have that covered! 😉 ) , so the pocket and tacked-up sleeves are just fun details that add interest. And, it’s got to be the lip color, too.

(I have Everlane’s duffle in reverse denim, for which I’ve been debating about getting a “rolling holder” so it would be more useful to me on plane trips. See? I HAVE purchased Everlane!)

Wow I love those leggings, what are they?! The linen tee looks good too. I bought Everlane’s short sleeve but sent it back — it just wasn’t flattering on me for some reason. I had ordered the long sleeve linen version but the size Small was huge on me — which is weird cause I usually wear a small in their stuff. But it was just shapeless and unflattering, so I am going to try an XS and see. I love the IDEA of a linen tee but so far the only one I have that I really like is from J Crew of all places — where I never shop anymore. I do have the Everlane sleeveless linen tee and that seems to working for me. As for the backpack, had the grey twill one they first came out with but after Grechen pointed out the mistake of it having WHITE canvas straps I decided I had to get one with this serious problem corrected. I’ve loved the one I have, but the white straps are pretty gross looking now. So I ordered the modern snap backpack in the grey color. I like the color but am sending it back because I find the zippers on the front pocket IMPOSSIBLE to move around/open. Did anyone else have this issue? Never had that with my other one so probably just going to order the newer version with black straps.

the leggings are lululemon – the high times pant. that particular style is a year old (almost) and sold out, although sometimes i see it pop back up every once in a while. there are a couple of new mesh high times styles that are cool though. i LOVE the pants so much, especially the high rise…

i’ve had issues with zippers before, where they’re sort of “stuck” or hard to get into, but over time, they always seem to loosen up though. i did find the zippers on this backpack sort of “hesitant” but again, i never consider that they’ll be a long-term problem.

Definitely love my Zady linen tee. I found it’s great for casual outfits but also goes well with things like my Reformation leather skirt if I want to tone it down a bit.Rebecca Ratliff´s last blog post ..“Let’s [Not] Go Shopping!”

HUGE warning about the Linen tee – it isn’t as high quality as they are promoting. I wore it only twice, hand washed it once, dried it flat and now there is a hole in the sleeve. I decided to wear it again twice, washed it, and the hole got even bigger…. So much for “slow fashion.” I e-mailed an FYI to Zady, expecting at least a “sorry” or “thank you for the information” but nothing.

I honestly think their customer service is horrendous, and as much as I love their sweaters (which do hold up), never buying from them again.

I have started buying from American Giant, which is a lot more durable and comfortable. The customer service is also quick, even with something minor.

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